How To Build Story Tension by Sharing More (Not Less) with Daniel David Wallace

It's natural for writers to want their stories to feel clever, mysterious, and suspenseful. As creatives, we dream of readers piecing things together and feeling that satisfying sense of discovery.

But sometimes, in trying to build that sense of mystery, we end up holding back too much. We hide key details or delay important context, thinking it will make the story more intriguing. As author and writing teacher Daniel David Wallace explains, that instinct often has the opposite effect. When readers don’t understand what’s happening or why, they stop feeling curious and start feeling disconnected.

True story tension doesn’t come from secrecy; it comes from clarity. When readers understand what's at stake, they feel anticipation, empathy, and investment. That’s what keeps them engaged through every scene.

In this post, we’ll explore how to build story tension by sharing more, not less. You’ll learn how to reveal information in a way that strengthens emotion, builds reader trust, and delivers twists that land exactly the way you intend.

Why Readers Need More Clarity Than You Think

Readers want to feel something. And when writers hold back too much, readers lose that thread. Which means clarity is essential.  

This doesn’t mean spelling everything out; instead, it means giving readers the information they need to stay emotionally invested. They don’t need every answer, but they do need enough context to understand why that particular ‘thing’ matters.

Think of it this way: when readers can see the shape of the problem, they start anticipating how it might play out. That anticipation creates story tension and debate in their minds. Without it, scenes feel aimless, no matter how beautifully they're written.

Daniel’s Tip: Make sure readers always know what your character wants and what they stand to lose if they don’t get it. That simple clarity turns every scene into a source of tension and momentum.

📎 Further Reading: How to Write a Novel That Hooks Readers Through Curiosity (Not Confusion)

How the Fear of Being “Too Obvious” Hurts Reader Engagement

Even when we understand the importance of clarity, it’s still easy to hold back. Most writers hesitate to show their hand because they're afraid of becoming predictable. We worry that if readers know too much, the story will lose its edge.

But as Daniel explains, you can't outsmart readers into caring. In fact, being “too obvious” rarely ruins tension; it often creates it. Readers love piecing together information and feeling “in on” what’s coming next. That sense of anticipation is what keeps them hooked.

When we withhold too much, readers don’t think, “Wow, this is mysterious.” They think, “Wait… what’s going on?”

Mindset Shift: Don’t write to trick your readers. Write to reward them for paying attention.

📎 Further Reading: Red Herrings: How to Mislead & Surprise Readers

What The Hunger Games Can Teach Us About Foreshadowing

Daniel points to The Hunger Games as a masterclass in revealing the right information at the right time.

Take the famous “berry scene.” Even though most readers assume Katniss will survive, the moment still feels tense and unpredictable. Why? Because Suzanne Collins carefully prepares us for that decision long before it happens.

We’ve seen the rules of the Games. We’ve heard the Capitol’s warnings. We’ve watched Katniss make choices that all converge in this moral dilemma.

That's not secrecy. It's set up.

This technique is called foreshadowing. It's the subtle art of preparing readers for what’s to come later in the story. It’s when small details, bits of dialogue, or imagery plant a seed of expectation that pays off in a satisfying way down the line. When done well, readers don’t consciously notice it happening; they simply feel that the story's twists make perfect emotional sense.

Daniel’s Tip: Foreshadowing isn’t about hiding clues but instead helping readers feel the echo of an event before it happens. When every detail serves an emotional purpose, your story tension builds naturally, and your payoffs hit harder.

Why You Should Treat Readers Like Friends, Not Outsmart Them

Great storytelling is built on trust. 

When you share the right information at the right time, you create a sense of safety and reliability that allows you to surprise readers later, not by tricking them, but by fulfilling expectations in a deeper, more emotional way.

Holding back too much often comes from fear. Fear of being predictable, fear of making mistakes, fear of being fully seen. But stories aren’t competitions; they’re conversations. Readers don’t want to be fooled. They want to feel guided, respected, and emotionally connected.

Practical Takeaway: Before finalizing a scene, make sure the reader knows what’s happening and why it matters to your character. When readers can follow the emotional logic of your story, they’ll trust you enough to enjoy every twist and turn.

📎 Further Reading: How to Write a Well-Structured Scene

Quick Exercise: How to Tell If You're Holding Back Too Much Information

Daniel suggests this simple test:

Ask yourself: “What does my reader need to know right now to feel the emotion I want them to feel?”

If the answer isn't clearly on the page, you might be holding back too much.

Try reading your scene aloud to a critique partner who doesn’t know your story. Watch where they get confused, pause, or ask questions. Those are your blind spots.

Your goal isn’t to hand readers all the answers; it’s to make sure they always have the right questions.

Final Thoughts

Strong storytelling keeps readers oriented and emotionally involved. When they know what’s happening and why it matters, they stay invested in every decision your characters make.

Suspense grows when readers can see what’s at stake and imagine what might go wrong. The more they understand your characters' goals, fears, and motivations, the more tension builds with every page.

If you're tempted to hold back information, remember this: readers don’t want to be tricked; they want to enjoy your story. Give them enough to stay connected so that every plot twist works. 

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